Our Policy Work

ADVOCACY FOR MORE ORGANIC POLICIES: To build a sustainable farm & food system in Iowa.

In coalition with other organizations, IOA monitors legislative activities on local, state and national levels, making recommendations for policies that promote such issues important to the Iowa organic community.

The following list of issue categories captures most of the concerns we have heard over the past few years and represents the IOA board's priority areas

Pesticide Drift
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
WaterQuality
Organic Marketing

How To Engage in the Iowa Political Process

It is important that as an organic community, we work together to educate our local and federal representatives on issues important to organic farmers and consumers. The political process may seem daunting, but there are many ways for you to engage:

AT HOME/ AT THE FARM

There are several ways that you can participate in the political process from the farm or at home. Call, write or email your representative. Find Your Local Legislator

Invite your representatives to your farm! If you are hosting a field day or an open-house on your organic farm or homestead, PLEASE INVITE your local and federal legislators to that event! Experiencing organic farming from a constituent's farm is one of THE BEST ways to educate our legislators about organic.

AT A TOWN MEETING

Our Iowa senators and representatives hold local forums in their home district almost every month when the Iowa Legislature is in session, typically from January through mid-April each year. THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES are being discussed during this 3.5 month window. So please attend one of these Legislative Forums in your area!

These meetings are informal and open to the public, and because your legislator is focused on listening to constituents--this is THE BEST opportunity to connect and share your concerns. By showing up and voicing your support for Iowa Organic Association's policy platform and voicing your thoughts as an organic stakeholder you can make a big difference in our state! During session, Activate Iowa hosts a comprehensive list of all district meetings, but sometimes your legislator's newsletters or websites are more up to date. Check both regularly. The local paper & radio should advertise these legislative town meetings too for your local area.

MEET YOUR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE OR SENATORS

Iowa has two senators in the United States Senate and four representatives in the United States House of Representatives. Periodically, they travel home and are available to discuss issues with we, the people. Find out who represents you in Congress by searching a database by your zip code or state.